Unique and underestimated construction projects in Northeast Ohio.

One of the most unique and underestimated construction projects in Northeast Ohio.

Just seven months ago, on the 16 acre site of the former American Sprinkler Headquarters, Jeff Badger started on rebuilding the existing building into one of Northeast Ohio’s premier and only campus for car collectors. Inside the existing 37,000 sf building are garages known as “car Condos” priced around $160,000 that are over 85% complete through construction and already sold to buyers. Phase Two, more than 50 more condos is about to begin construction to meet the hot demand.

Known as Club Motor Estates, Badger’s $25 million car lovers playground is defying the early skeptics and on pace for a third Phase before the end of 2016. “There were a ton of skeptics,” said Badger, a builder/developer who is Club Motor Estates founder and CEO. “People said you’ll never find the land for this and you’ll never get the city to approve it. Then people said this is so speculative, you’ll never find any investors — but we did! We even found a financial institution to make the necessary loan to extend us through Phase Three and beyond.”

Magnificent Machines

“The skeptics come and go, and many of those skeptics are now our customers. They went from skeptics to visionaries but they lost their first choice in selecting their desired condo.” Badger said.

The concept behind Club Motor Estates is to create a place where deep-pocketed car buffs can store, show off their vehicles, create their own personalized “car cribs” and, socialize with those who share their passion. There are multiple car condo communities across the country, although few of them feature their own venue for large indoor events, have a 3,500sf Club House, Conference Facilities and a Full Kitchen, and even fewer are situated in urban areas within a 25 minute drive time.

The car condos at Club Motor Estates are climate-controlled garages that can store four or more vehicles, depending on condo size and whether a lift is installed. They are usually outfitted with comforts such as big-screen TVs, pool tables, plush furniture and even golf simulators and basketball courts. Important to all, there is secured entry gate, full campus security, and full fire suppression in every unit. The only restriction is that buyers can’t actually live in their condo because of zoning rules but, weekend getaways are not uncommon. Of the 40 car condo buyers so far, several have been women.

“Ninety-five percent (of buyers) are making these man caves, offices or corporate hospitality suites,” Badger said. “We are looking at auto suppliers who are treating this like a suite at Progressive Field or the Gund, except for here they can actually put their product in it surrounded by like minded car guys.”

Mike, chairman and CEO of his company, has bought two condos that will store his collection of 8 high-performance vehicles, including a Ferrari, Porsche 911 GT3 and a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. He said he initially planned to just buy one condo, but his excitement grew as he witnessed the construction progress.

“I think a lot of people weren’t able to appreciate it when it was only on paper,” Mike said, “but once you see the actual spaces under construction, and even come to an event, like the The Bee Gees, you have a greater appreciation for what it is.”

Several of Mike’s friends also have bought condos, anticipating that Phase III could eventually sell out as well.

“I really think the demand is going to outstrip the supply,” he said. “And once they’re gone, there’s probably not going to be a lot of turnover.”

The car condos range in size from 800 square feet to 3,600+ square feet and are priced from $105,000 to $550,000. Badger said the typical unit is $140,000 in Phase One, and buyers generally put another $50,000 to $100,000 worth of work into them.

Club Motor Estates facts

All car condos in Phase I sold out last year.

20 of the 50 Phase II condos are still available.

A typical condo costs $155,000 in Phase Two.

Project could hit $25-million investment and 170 total units with future Phase III.

Club Motor Estates is a great venue! They host Tribute Bands (Bee Gees Gold) and other special events! Great food and service! We will be back with more friends!

Chris MApril 4, 2017

Amazing…you have to be a part of this!

"Amazing opportunities here! Can't wait to see all the finished condos. They have a New Beautiful Grand Ballroom and wedding venue, and auto detail shop! If you get a chance you should check it out and meet with the owner!"

Britanny AApril 4, 2017

Incredible Garages…A Paradise

"Great clubhouse, full kitchen, cigars/wine, auto detailing, events, ballroom, not to mention the incredible garages. Must see to believe. This is paradise for us car lovers."

Mike BApril 4, 2017

Lambo’s, Ferrari’s, Porsche’s, Ford’s, Jaguar’s, everything is here!

"Yesterday, a Lamborghini showed up. If you like automobiles, then this collectors club is for you. Great clubhouse, kitchen, cigars/wine, auto detailing, events. Why not move in to one of the many car condos?"

Ivan DApril 4, 2017

Incredible! Amazing! Very Very Cool!

"What an incredible place. I saw a glimpse of one of the new custom garage spaces. Very, very cool. Its going to have a theme of an old road passing by the front of an old gas station, a general store, and a fully furnished and working pub! How cool is that?!!. Definitely the perfect place for the true car collector.
Every individual condo owner will be able to have their own space designed and built to the vision of their dreams, and then show off their big boy and big girl toys they way they should be. This is an amazing location!"

Greg MApril 4, 2017

You have to see it to believe it

"I read the beautiful brochures, went through the informative website and talked about it with friends. Until I actually walked the halls, saw the actual garages, experienced the environment, did I begin to understand what this is all about. Club Motor Estates is the most exciting place to be. Where do I sign!"

Dan MAugust 15, 2017

I finally stopped by and what I saw was incredible…

"My friends told me about this place and after driving by many times, I decided to stop in. This is the Premier Automotive Country Club! There has not been much change to the outside of the buildings. Inside was a different story. It's is beautiful. You walk into this modern foyer with a cool car parked inside. Walking down the hall into the Finish Line Country Club for the members was a place I wanted to be, a bar, soft seating in front of a fireplace, tables for games and conversation, and a game room! I did not see the garages yet and was sold. After seeing the individual garages and the creative design of them, I told my buddies about this place. I can't wait to have them here too.

Steve BAugust 17, 2017

We drove into the Ballroom, right to our table!

Not only did I have an amazing time with Taylor and Jonathon at their wedding, Club Motor Estates did an outstanding job, the food was magnificent and tastefully displayed, the venue beautiful. The place went wild with the most amazing entrance of the bride and groom, driving into the beautifully decorated Ballroom d'Ellegance in a 1966 Camaro convertable waving and throwing gifts to everyone with the music playing their favorite song. That is how the party started and ended with the bride and groom leaving their reception in the same car. What an outstanding and most memorable party, ever!